Harborside Japan Trip

Frequently Asked Questions


Travel Logistics

1. What are the required forms that need to be completed prior to the expedition?

a. There are several different forms that need to be completed and returned to Global Treks. All of the forms will be available on the trip page within 6 months of the trip start date.

b. The form called, “Parental Authorization Form” must be printed, notarized and returned to Harborside prior to January 15, 2025. The rest of the forms can be signed electronically.

c. All paperwork can be completed either electronically via docuhub OR each form can be printed, signed and mailed to the Global Treks office at:

Global Treks and Adventures

Attn: Harborside Academy

278 Mankato Ave, #201

Winona, MN 55987

2. Are there required immunizations or medical recommendations for traveling to Japan?

We recommend all participants speak with their personal medical providers pertaining to all personalized medical questions. With that said, the CDC does not recommend immunizations above and beyond routine vaccinations common within the United States.

3.  Why do you need to have a form notarized (Parental Authorization Form)?

a. This document provides proof of permission for your child (a minor) to leave the state under the care of the Harborside Academy instructors. TSA may require this paperwork be presented to allow your child to travel without a parent present.

4. What should I expect on the travel day flying to/from Japan?

a. 2 Harborside teachers will escort students from the Chicago airport to Japan. It’s important to remember that travel within a group is slow. Please arrive to the airport before the designated meeting time announced by the Harborside Staff for departure day. The group will travel through check-in and security together.

b. All students need to have a passport to fly with the group. Please make sure your child’s passport matches the name provided for the airline ticket.

c. We recommend students pack a lunch and snacks for the travel day and/or bring some money for purchasing some snacks in the airports. Meals are no longer provided on flights by the airlines.

d. Students should pack an empty water bottle with them in their carryon luggage to fill in the airport after security prior to the flight.

5. What if I want to check luggage for the flight?

a. Anyone wishing to check luggage for the flight will need to purchase a checked bag at check-in.

b. Each student can take a carry-on and personal item aboard the flight.

c. Your carry-on bag should fit in the overhead bin. The maximum dimensions for a carry-on bag are 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches (22 centimeters x 35 centimeters x 56 centimeters). This includes handles and wheels.

d. Your personal item should fit underneath the seat in front of you. The maximum dimensions for your personal item are 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches (22 centimeters x 25 centimeters x 43 centimeters).

 

Health/Wellness

6.  What happens if I don’t feel well or I get sick?

a. A paramedic is on staff with the group throughout the time in Japan and the Global Treks staff is all wilderness medically trained personnel. Anyone needing assistance will be provided immediate care by the team and then transported to a local clinic/hospital for further evaluation, if needed. Emergency contacts will be contacted as soon as possible regarding any medical concerns with their child.

7.  What if I get homesick?

a. No worries! We will have plenty of staff, teachers, friends and beautiful places to help. And, a call or text home to connect with family always helps!

 

Lodging/Food

8. Can I room with my friends?

a. You can find a button on the trip webpage that lets you put down your preference for roommates. While not guaranteed Harborside staff will do their best to group students based on their preference.

9.  Will I have access to wifi?

a. Wifi is available at the hotels.

10. What will we be eating? What if I don’t like the food or I have food sensitivities?

a. Breakfast will be a mini-buffet each day, so students can choose what they’d like to eat. Students will also have choices each day for packed lunches (typically a sandwich, chips, fruit and snacks). Dinners will be buffet style or within restaurants. All meals are prepared vegetarian and with minimal spices, allowing students to add a meat option or spices to their meals as they wish.

 

Itinerary

11. How do we get from place to place?

a. Global Treks staff will be driving large passenger vans for the group.

12. Will I have any free time?

a. We teach students the importance for self-reflection and rejuvenation time. So, while the day will have plenty of opportunities for activities and built-in opportunities for students to relax a bit, students will also have some evening time each day.

13. Do I need extra spending money?

a. Everything is included, but students may want money for personal snacks/drinks (we support the students drinking water as much as possible, but if they prefer soda, they may want to purchase some) or souvenirs.

14. What type of experiential education will we be doing with Global Treks?

a. Global Treks will be teaching several workshops throughout the week which focus on leadership development, character reflection and development, communication, risk management and leave no trace principles. All workshops are age-appropriate and focus on students learning more about themselves, as they will soon be approaching the beginning of high school.